What is an ectopic pregnancy?

The ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg develops outside the uterus. While it is not likely to happen, this type of pregnancy is extremely dangerous for the woman who has it.

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are pain in the abdomen and shoulders, vaginal bleeding, nausea and dizziness. Some of these symptoms are normal during pregnancy, but if you suspect that it may be an ectopic pregnancy need immediate medical attention.

Early diagnosis is essential to avoid serious consequences, through exhaustive questioning to the patient, a gynecological examination, laboratory and ultrasound.

In the most common case of ectopic pregnancy, the egg is in the fallopian tubes; on other occasions, pregnancy can be located in other parts of the female body as in the cervix, the ovary or in the abdomen.

There are several factors that can cause ectopic pregnancy, but the most common are the processes which prevent the passage of the fertilized egg through the tube.

The treatment is to stop the internal bleeding using different techniques that vary by case. Sometimes the removal of one of the tubes or part of an ovary is required to control the bleeding.